This thesis addresses the development of new gas sensor using surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology. SAW sensors detect the change in mass, modulus, and conductivity of a sensing layer material via absorption or adsorption of an analyte. The advantage of SAW sensor includes low cost, small size, high sensitivity. We investigated the use of nano-crystalline palladium film for sensing hydrogen gas. We also investigated SAW fabrication for radio frequency (RF) range operation where high signal-to-noise ratios can be achieved. A test-bed consisting of a gas dilution system, a temperature-controlled test cell, a network analyzer, and computer-based measurement system was used for evaluating the performance of SAW gas sensors at very low concentrations. Both single and dual delay line SAW devices were fabricated by means of photolithography on a lithium niobate substrate. Tests are carried to determine response speed, resolution, reproducibility, and linear characteristics, over a range of analyte concentrations.

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No description available.

O uso de redes sem fio no ambiente industrial está crescendo cada vez mais devido às vantagens que estas redes apresentam comparadas aos sistemas cabeados. No entanto, é necessário que as redes sem fio apresentem a mesma robustez que as redes cabeadas. Para isso, é necessário garantir o enlace de rádio frequência entre os dispositivos e também é preciso que a rede atenda aos requisitos de comunicação em tempo real. O protocolo WirelessHART foi criado em 2007, sendo o primeiro padrão aberto de comunicação sem fio especialmente desenvolvido para ambientes industriais. Esse protocolo vem ganhando cada vez mais aplicabilidade na indústria devido à sua alta confiabilidade e robustez. Por se tratar de um protocolo recente, ainda existem muitas pesquisas em andamento, sendo uma das áreas relacionada a ferramentas para análise e monitoramento da rede. Tais ferramentas têm como objetivo principal capturar as mensagens que trafegam na rede, ou seja, atuam como um sniffer. No entanto, o protocolo WirelessHART apresenta algumas peculiaridades quando comparado a outras redes sem fio, como por exemplo, o uso de 15 canais diferentes. Devido a isso, muitos sniffers já propostos para redes sem fio não podem ser utilizados, pois capturam dados em apenas uma frequência. Outra questão está relacionada ao monitoramento de redes já instaladas, onde os dispositivos podem se encontrar em locais de difícil acesso. Dessa forma, é necessário que a ferramenta tenha mobilidade, ou seja, não necessite estar conectada a um computador, por exemplo. Então, uma vez que ainda não existe uma ferramenta de monitoramento ideal para redes WirelessHART, este trabalho propõe um nova ferramenta, que apresenta vantagens, tais como: captura de dados nos 15 canais utilizando apenas um receptor de rádio, armazenamento local dos dados capturados utilizando um cartão de memória e medição da energia nos canais, para obter informações a respeito de interferências na rede. Além disso, uma aplicação offline de análise dos dados apresenta estatísticas e análises a respeito dos dados capturados. Este trabalho apresenta alguns conceitos teóricos importantes a respeito do protocolo e os detalhes da implementação da ferramenta. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a ferramenta está atuando corretamente como um sniffer e está realizando a detecção de interferências na rede. Um estudo de caso mostra o comportamento da rede WirelessHART coexistindo com o padrão IEEE 802.11. / The use of wireless networks in industrial environment is growing due to the advantages of these networks compared to wired systems. However, the wireless networks must have the same robustness that wired networks. It is necessary to ensure the link between devices and it is also necessary that the network meets the requirements of real-time communication. The WirelessHART protocol was created in 2007, and it is the first open wireless communication standard specifically designed for industrial environments. This protocol has been gaining increasing applicability in industry due to its high reliability and robustness. Because it is a recent protocol, there are still many ongoing researches. One of them is related to tools for analyzing and monitoring the network. Such tools have the main objective to capture the messages that travel on the network, acting as a sniffer. However, the WirelessHART protocol has some peculiarities as compared to other wireless networks, such as the use of 15 different channels. Because of this, many sniffers already proposed for wireless networks can not be applied, because they capture data on only one frequency. Another issue is related to the monitoring networks already installed, where devices can be found in places of difficult access. Thus, it is necessary that the tool has mobility, i.e., does not need to be connected to a computer, for example. So, since there is still no ideal monitoring tool for WirelessHART networks, this paper proposes a new tool, which has advantages such as: data capture in 15 channels using only one radio receiver, local storage of captured data using a memory card and measuring the energy in the channels for getting information about interference in the network. In addition, an offline application presents statistics and analysis about the captured data. This paper presents some important theoretical concepts about the protocol and implementation details of the tool. The results show that the tool is working properly as a sniffer and it’s performing the interference detection in the network . A case study shows the behavior of the WirelessHART network coexisting with IEEE 802.11 standard.

This thesis presents a study and implementation of several measurement procedures used to efficiently generate non-linear measurement-based behavioral models primary for microwave amplifiers. Behavioral models are a solution for representing devices that can present linear and/or non-linear behavior when little or no information about the internal structure is known. Measurement-based behavioral models are an advantage since they can be extracted from a direct measurement of the device. This work addresses some of the challenges of these types of measurements. A set of software modules has been produced that combine several modern techniques to efficiently generate practical models using equipment commonly available in a typical microwave lab. Advanced models using new and more complex equipment are also discussed. Modeling of the non-linear operation of power amplifiers is a common subject of study since it provides a path to improved system simulations. However, the measurement process used for non-linear behavioral modeling of PAs requires either non-linear measurement instrumentation, not yet widely available, or numerous measurements that makes the process tedious and susceptible to errors. Power dependent S-Parameters obtained with a conventional Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) can be used to extract AM-to-AM and AM-to-PM behavior of a device and to generate, simple but useful, behavioral models. A careful analysis of the characteristics of common RF measurement instrumentation combined with knowledge of common non-linear phenomena provides with the conditions under which useful models can be generated. The results of this work are presented as several programs implemented in National Instruments LabVIEW that will sequence through the different measurements required for the generation of measurement-based behavioral models. The implemented models are known as P2D and S2D models available with Agilent Advanced Design System (ADS.) The code will communicate with the measurement instrumentation and decide on the most efficient way to extract the data. Once the data is extracted, the code will put into the appropriate syntaxes required by the model for direct and convenient setup of the generated models in ADS.

In this report we focus on the use of an economical way on how Scalar Network Analyzer (SNA) works instead of Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) to estimate the phase angle of signals in indoor channel. This is detailed in RMS delay theory and simulation section, experimental is designed in the according Experiment Design section, where we also state the required measurements known from the math part. In our work, data are recorded both from two different channel characteristics. Method of achieving amplitude is by using deconvolution theory. The condition of applying Hilbert transform are highlighted as impulse response h(t) in time domain should be causal.  The recorded data amplitude is computed by Hilbert Transform, and therefore validate the condition using Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) back to time domain to achieve h(t). Power delay profile P(t) is therefore presented afterwards. In paper calculations of rms delay τrms  of the channel which is the most important variable are also performed, the results calculated from different windowing truncation and the LOS and NLOS characteristics are compared in discussion and conclusion section, it also includes Opinions of window functions chosen for the phase estimation.

Noise contribution in nonlinear systems is very different from that in linear systems. The noise effects in nonlinear systems can be complicated and not obvious to predict. In this thesis, the focus was on the noise contribution in nonlinear systems when measuring with the nonlinear vector network analyzer (NVNA). An additional noise source together with a single sinewave signal was fed into the input of the amplifier and the performance was studied. The input power of the amplifier is considered to be the sum of the noise power and the signal power. The variation of the 1 dB compression point and the third order interception point as functions of the added noise power were studied. From the measured results in this thesis, the 1 dB compression point referred to the output power will decrease when increasing the added noise power at the input of the amplifier. The contribution of the added noise to the 1 dB compression point of an amplifier is considered dual: with the added noise the linear regression lines of the AM/AM curves are changed, and due to hard clipping the useful output power is reduced. As a result of those two effects, the added noise made the compression start at a lower power level. When the added noise reaches a certain level, the 1 dB compression point is hard to measure. Thus when performing nonlinear measurements, the noise effects should be taken into considerations and further studies are required to get better understanding of the system’s behavior in noisy environment.

Surface acoustic wave sensors have been a focus of active research for many years. Its ability to respond for surface perturbation is a basic principle for its sensing capability. Sensitivity to surface perturbation changes with every inter-digital transducer (IDT) design parameters, substrate selection, metallization choice and technique, delay line length and working environment. In this thesis, surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are designed and characterized to improve sensitivity and reduce loss. To quantify the improvements with a specific design configuration, the sensors are employed to measure temperature. Four SAW sensors design configurations, namely bi-directional, split electrode, single phase unidirectional transducer (SPUDT) and metal grating on delay line (shear transvers wave sensors) are designed and then fabricated in Nanotechnology Research and Education Center (NREC) facility using traditional MEMS fabrication processes Additionally, sensors are then coated with guiding layer SU8-2035 of 40 m using spin coating and SiO2 of 6 m using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. Sensors are later diced and tested for every 5oC increment using network analyzer for temperature ranging from 30oC–0.5oC to 80oC–0.5oC. Data acquired from network analyzer is analyzed using plot of logarithmic magnitude, phase and frequency shift. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of metallization technique on the sensor performance, sensors are also fabricated on substrates that were metallized at a commercial MEMS foundry. All in-house and outside sputtered sensor configurations are compared to investigate quality of sputtered metal on wafer. One with better quality sputtered metal is chosen for further study. Later sensors coated with SU8 and SiO2 as guiding layer are compared to investigate effect of each waveguide on sensors and determine which waveguide offers better performance. The results showed that company sputtered sensors have higher sensitivity compared to in-house sputtered wafers. Furthermore after comparing SU8 and SiO2 coated sensors in the same instrumental and environmental condition, it was observed that SU8 coated di-directional and single phase unidirectional transducer (SPUDT) sensors showed best response.

Microwave radar and radiometer techniques are used to gather crucial information about the earth and its atmosphere. The ERS-1, JERS-1, RadarSAT and NASA’s Mission to Planet Earth projects are designed to study the changing global environment. In all these endeavors, the key instrument is the radar or scatterometer. The advantage of microwave radar is that it is hindered very little by clouds, fog or solar radiation. Polarimetrie sensors like the shuttle-borne SIR-C radar, provides additional information compared to single polarization systems. Correct interpretation of polarimetrie data necessitates proper understanding of the scattering mechanism. Thus theory of polarization synthesis is discussed. Solution to the Kennaugh eigenvalue problem for point targets is derived. Polarimetrie signatures of point targets are shown as surfaces of spherical co-ordinates based on the Poincare sphere. Statistics of the covariance matrix elements for distributed targets are presented. The main topic of this research report is the design and development of a multifrequency, polarimetrie scatterometer for biosphere remote sensing. The system was developed using a standard HP network analyzer, a crossed log-periodic dipole antenna and a reflector. The scatterometer functions in a linear polarization basis between the L- and X-bands and gathers full-polarimetric information. The standard S-parameter measurements using the network analyzer were related to surface and volume scattering coefficients of rough surface, snow cover and vegetation media. The scatterometer measurements were carried out in the frequency domain to make use of narrow band filters in the receiver chain. The fast Fourier transform was used to convert the frequency domain measurements to the time domain. The range resolution of the system was 20 cm; azimuthal and elevation resolutions are determined by the antenna beam widths. Range side lobes were reduced by making use of appropriate weighting (Kaiser-Bessel window) functions. In the process of receiver design, we developed a number of signal processing techniques which are illustrated using appropriate numerical examples. The accuracy of target characterization depends on the quality of scatterometer calibration. A novel technique to estimate the absolute gain and crosstalk of the radar system was developed. Using a distortion matrix approach, the cross-polarization response of the system was improved by 10 to 25 dB. The radar measurements were validated by comparing point target radar observations with the corresponding theoretical values. Also, measurements of fading decorrelation distance and decorrelation bandwidth of rough surfaces were in good agreement with the theory. Backscatter observations of vegetation and snow cover were comparable to earlier published values for a similar environment. Based on initial test results and operations capability, we propose to use the present scatterometer for ground-truthing in support of ERS-1 missions. Direct comparisons of electromagnetic backscatter coefficients are possible between the ERS-1 and the present scatterometer. These joint studies are beneficial for developing inverse scattering techniques, designing new experiments and calibrating ERS-1 radar systems for distributed target environments. / <p>Diss. Umeå : Umeå universitet, 1995</p> / digitalisering@umu

A segurança da informação, a diversidade de rotas entre os dispositivos da rede, o acesso ao meio de modo determinístico e isento de colisões e a mudança de canal frequente tornam a comunicação no protocolo WirelessHART robusta e confiável para utilização em meio industrial. Entretanto, para adoção crescente dessa tecnologia, é necessário que os fabricantes de sensores e atuadores industriais desenvolvam dispositivos WirelessHART. Disto surge a necessidade de criação de ferramentas capazes de auxiliar o desenvolvimento e depuração destes novos dispositivos de rede. O Analisador de rede WirelessHART é, sem dúvida, uma delas. Diversas abordagens são propostas para a análise de redes WirelessHART. Entretanto, em todas elas a utilização de um microcomputador como elemento do sistema inviabiliza sua utilização em campo. A presença de cabos, armazenamento local dos dados e exigência de baterias são alguns dos aspectos relevantes que devem ser levados em consideração quando o sistema precisa ser utilizado em campo. O presente trabalho propõe alternativas aos sistemas de análise de redes atuais apresentando duas propostas conceitualmente diferentes mas que cumprem os requisitos básicos para sua utilização em campo. Uma destas abordagens, baseada na proposta de integração entre um dispositivo de campo e o método inovador de captura de mensagens utilizando apenas um transceptor, é implementado como prova do conceito. / WirelessHART is a robust and reliable protocol for industrial environment usage because of its secure mechanism, the ability of programming several communication routes between network devices, and deterministic, free of collisions channel hopping medium access controller. However, in order to increase the adoption of this technology, it is necessary to increase the amount of WirelessHART manufacturers to develop industrial sensors and actuators devices. This leads to the necessity of create tools that will assist the development and debugging of new network compliant devices. The WirelessHART network analyzer is undoubtedly one of these tools. Various approaches are being proposed for the analysis of WirelessHART networks. However, all of them make use of a microcomputer as an element of the whole system and this difficults their use in real field applications. The presence of wires, lack of local data storage and other aspects such as batteries limitations must be considered when the users intend to use analysis systems in field. This work proposes alternatives to current analysis networks systems by presenting two conceptually different proposals that meet the basic requirements for the use in the field. One of them is based on the proposed integration between a field device and an innovative method of capturing messages using only one transceiver, which is implemented as proof of concept.